By New Yorkers for Reparations
Photos: YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons
New Yorkers for Reparations, a 100+ member multi-racial grassroots coalition growing the movement for Black reparations in New York, has announced that it will host, “Making Equality Real For Black New Yorkers: A Mayoral Forum on Reparations, Healing and Building Prosperity” on Thursday, May 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The coalition has invited all of the Mayoral Candidates to attend and discuss their position on reparations, and their plans to advance economic healing and racial prosperity for Black New Yorkers.
Members of the public can register to attend here.
The Mayoral Forum comes at a critical time as New York continues to lead nationally in legislative action on Black reparations; and as the coalition, in partnership with Liberation Ventures, has released new poll findings showing that reparations is more popular among New Yorkers than many may think – making this a potentially decisive issue in the upcoming mayoral race.
“The next Mayor of New York City must be prepared to confront our city’s –and state’s – long history of racial injustice and present a concrete plan for advancing reparations and economic equality for Black New Yorkers,” said Ivy Valentine, New Yorkers for Reparations Coalition Member. “Our polling shows that voters are paying close attention to this issue. The purpose of this forum is to give candidates an opportunity to address constituents directly and demonstrate their commitment to healing historical harms and building a more free, equal, and prosperous future for all New Yorkers.”
WHEN: Thursday, May 15th, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
WHO: Confirmed Mayoral Candidates: State Senator Zellnor Myrie, Michael Blake, and Dr. Selma Bartholomew; Representatives from New Yorkers for Reparations; Community residents (additional confirmations expected in the coming days).
WHERE: Fourth Universalist Society in the City of New York (160 Central Park West)
WHY: New York stands among the first states to legislatively advance Black reparations efforts. In 2023, Governor Hochul signed legislation creating the New York Commission on Reparations Remedies, which has been hosting public hearings across the state, most recently in the Bronx. On Tuesday, May 6 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. the Commission will hold its next public hearing in Long Island (SUNY Old Westbury Campus Center Building, Recital Hall, 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568). The NYC Council also recently passed legislation launching a formal reparations process in the city.
About New Yorkers for Reparations:
New Yorkers for Reparations is a 100+ member grassroots coalition growing the movement for Black reparations in New York and working to ensure that the recommendations that come out of the New York State Community Reparations Commission turn into policy. Learn More: https://www.ny4reparations.org/
